The Single Cask Whisky Review #72: Glenrothes 1997 19 Years Old (Dark Sherry)

October 29, 2017

This week's review focuses on the second of two expressions of Glenrothes which were bottled by The Single Cask in recent times. The Edrington-owned distillery (whose single malt brand was up until recently owned by Berry Bros & Rudd) is well-known for putting out vintage releases of their single malts in distinctive squat bottles.

This expression of Glenrothes was distilled in 1997, filled into a first fill dark sherry butt (in fact, there were several sherry butts being filled during this time and the majority of them have slowly been released over the course of the year) and matured for 19 long years before being bottled at a cask strength abv of 58% by The Single Cask.

So, let's dive right into the review!

The Single Cask Glenrothes 1997 19 Years Old (58% abv)

Colour: Dark rosewood

Nose: Initial entry presents a perfumed and densely sherried note coupled with soft malt and red fruits such as prunes and apricots. Slight acetone hints emerge after some time and are complemented by oak, black pepper, printer ink, creosote and damp earth.

Palate: Initial entry presents rich, dense and dark on the palate, with the oak, cinnamon and nutmeg at the fore alongside the red fruits, cocoa powder and black pepper. Given time in the glass, it mellows and allows for more of the fruit notes to emerge.

﻿Finish: ﻿ Long and lingering on the finish, with the mellow sweetness and red fruits dominant to the very end along with some of the wood spices and slightly drying oak.

﻿Balance:﻿ An extremely well-balanced sherry bomb of a whisky which exhibits a multitude of complexities and facets. The mouthfeel is oily for the most part with a touch of dusky dryness towards the end.

This expression of Glenrothes can be purchased by the bottle, dram or as a part of a flight for in-bar consumption or by the bottle for retail/takeaway purposes. Please be advised that there aren't many bottles available and sales will therefore be limited.

Please approach our friendly staff and they will be more than happy to assist you with your enquiries.